Pope Benedict XVI thinking of retiring, author claims

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A Catholic author has caused controversy after suggesting that Pope Benedict XVI will retireAlberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

James BoneRome

Published at 12:01AM, September 27 2011

A prominent Catholic author has caused controversy after suggesting that Pope
Benedict XVI is thinking of retiring on his 85th birthday in April.

“For now it’s a rumour (a personal idea of Joseph Ratzinger) and I hope that
it never becomes a headline. But because it’s circulating in the most
important rooms of the Vatican it’s worthy of attention,” Mr Socci wrote.
“In short: the Pope does not discard the possibility of resigning when he
reaches 85 in April next year.”

The report reignited discussion about when an aging Pope should stand down.